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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.02.02 Council MinutesMINUTES City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 PM - Monday, February 2, 2026 Pasco City Hall, Council Chambers & Microsoft Teams Webinar CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by David Milne, Mayor. ROLL CALL Councilmembers present: Charles Grimm, David Milne, Mark Figueroa, Leo Perales, Joe Cotta, Calixto Hernandez, and Abel Campos Councilmembers attending remotely: Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: Harold Stewart, City Manager; Richa Sigdel, Deputy City Manager; Angela Pashon, Assistant City Manager; Kevin Crowley, Fire Chief; Kevin Hebdon, Finance Director; Daniel Kenny, City Attorney; Haylie Matson, Community & Economic Development Director; Sara Matzen, Human Resources Director; Arman Rashid, IT Director; Ken Roske, Police Chief; Maria Serra, Public Works Director; and Krystle Shanks, City Clerk The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Meeting Minutes for January 12th and January 20th To approve the minutes of the Pasco City Council Regular Workshop held on January 12, 2026, and Regular Meeting held on January 20, 2026. Bills and Communications - Approving Claims in the Total Amount of $5,026,886.84 To approve claims in the total amount of $5,026,886.84 ($3,184,950.37 in Check Nos. 275971 - 276278; $558,730.10 in Electronic Transfer Nos. 852202 - 852208; $9,589.94 in Check Nos. 55134 - 55139; $1,273,616.43 in Electronic Transfer Page 1 of 5 Nos. 30236706 - 30237399). Resolution No. 4702 - Acceptance of Work for MLB Required Improvements at GESA Stadium - Female Locker Room Improvements (Phase 1-A) To approve Resolution No. 4702, accepting work performed by Banlin Construction of Kennewick WA, under contract for the MLB Required Improvements at GESA Stadium -Female Locker Room Improvements (Phase 1- A) Project. *Resolution No. 4703 - Interlocal Agreement with and Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children To approve Resolution No. 4703, authorizing the City Manager to Execute an amended and restated Southeast Regional internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SERICAC) Interlocal Cooperative Agreement. Resolution No. 4704 - 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Pasco Police Officers Association - Non-Uniform Bargaining Unit To approve Resolution No. 4704, approving the 2026-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Pasco and the Pasco Police Officers Association Non-Uniformed Employees. Resolution No. 4705 - 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 280 To approve Resolution No. 4705, approving the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the International Union of Operating engineers, Local No. 280. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales to approve the Consent Agenda as read. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by Roll Call (RC) vote. 7- 0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos PUBLIC COMMENTS Mary Mahoney, Pasco resident, spoke regarding Tri-Cities Animal Control, the Pasco Public Facilities District, the City Manager’s Report, the Pasco floodplain, eagles, and a Local Improvement District (LID). REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND/OR OFFICERS Verbal Reports from Councilmembers Page 2 of 5 Councilmember Perales reported attending a TRIDEC board meeting; a Port of Pasco meeting; met with downtown businesses and the Latin Business Association regarding revitalization efforts; shared updates on potential new downtown tenants; and attended a community event at the Pasco Hub. Councilmember Campos reported attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Memorial Pool Dome and commended staff and community turnout. Councilmember Figueroa echoed comments on the Memorial Pool Dome ribbon- cutting ceremony, thanked prior councilmembers for advancing the project, and reported attending the State of Education luncheon highlighting workforce readiness and STEM education. Mayor Grimm reported attending the Memorial Pool Dome ribbon-cutting ceremony, the State of Education luncheon, and testified on state legislation impacting local development, and meeting with community and legislative representatives regarding infrastructure and funding needs. HEARINGS AND COUNCIL ACTION ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS RELATING THERETO Public Hearing - Transportation Benefit District Ms. Sigdel presented an overview of a proposed Transportation Benefit District, including allowable uses, governance options, and revenue mechanisms. Staff outlined funding options of a vehicle license fee or a 0.1% sales tax and noted projected revenues, comparisons to nearby cities, and increasing street maintenance demands due to growth and stagnant revenues. Council and staff discussed impacts, equity considerations, and the need for long- term street maintenance funding. Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing and called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. Council recommended returning with an ordinance for Council consideration. Public Hearing - Ordinance No. 4813 - Amending Pasco Municipal Code Related to State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Thresholds Ms. Matson presented proposed amendments to the Pasco Municipal Code to increase State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) categorical exemption thresholds using a phased approach to streamline development review and reduce redundant processes while maintaining environmental protections. Councilmembers expressed support for the phased approach, commended staff for extensive work on development regulation reform, and noted the changes would improve efficiency and competitiveness with neighboring jurisdictions. Page 3 of 5 Mayor Grimm opened the public hearing and called for public comments three (3) times and no one came forward to speak. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Perales To adopt Ordinance No. 4813, an ordinance of the City of Pasco, Washington, amending and repealing sections of Pasco Municipal Code, in Title 23 Environmental Impact, related to environmental impact, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) thresholds and procedures and, further, authorize publication by summary only. RESULT: Motion carried 7-0 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Perales, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos UNFINISHED BUSINESS Resolution No. 4686A - Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) Aquatics Facility - Management and Operations Interlocal Agreement Mr. Rice presented an updated interlocal agreement (ILA) between the City of Pasco and the Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) for the City to manage and operate the new aquatic facility for an initial three-year term. Director Rice explained that the agreement had been updated following PPFD legal review, with key changes including retention of PPFD ownership, final approval over policies, and co-administration by the City Manager and PPFD Executive Director. Staff noted the project is slightly behind schedule, therefore a decision was needed on the amended agreement, but work on policies and procedures continues. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the updated agreement and operational oversight, acknowledging the importance of timely opening and successful management. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Milne moved, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez To approve Resolution No. 4686A, authorizing the City Manager to execute a new Interlocal Agreement between the Pasco Public Facilities District and the City Of Pasco for administrative and financial services, and for management and operations of the new Aquatic Facility. RESULT: Motion carried 6-1 AYES: Mayor Grimm, Mayor Pro Tem Milne, Councilmember Figueroa, Councilmember Cotta, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Campos NAYS: Councilmember Perales Page 4 of 5 MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION Mr. Stewart reminded Council of a special meeting next Monday at 5:30 p.m. for Councilmembers to share backgrounds, discuss priorities, and build group cohesion ahead of the budget session. He clarified public concerns regarding the Tri-Cities Animal Control (TCAC), stating animals are not sent for research, except the shelter mascot, Dee, for veterinary care. Mr. Stewart also announced a citizen satisfaction survey to gather feedback on city services and budget priorities. Councilmember Perales proposed exploring a Community Workforce Agreement for major public works projects to promote local hiring and workforce development. Council discussion ensued with some Councilmembers expressing support, noting potential benefits for internships, apprenticeships, and bridging local labor with city projects, with other Councilmembers raising concerns about budget constraints, administrative workload, and potential impacts on competition. A majority agreed to staff researching this idea to be brought back to Council. Councilmember Figueroa discussed the recently approved Pasco Public Facilities District (PPFD) Aquatic Facility Interlocal Agreement (ILA). Council discussed risks versus efficiencies of city-managed operations and agreed to revisit long-term management after the initial three-year term. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. PASSED and APPROVED on February 17, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Charles Grimm, Mayor Krystle Shanks, Deputy City Clerk Page 5 of 5